Viewing tips

Once you have travelled to the best spot to experience the Northern Lights, you can significantly improve your chances of experiencing an Aurora by using these simple expert tips…

1. Plan a trip to a place with prime Northern Lights viewing conditions. Firstly, choose a destination within the Auroral Oval. Once there, you need clear, dark skies. Use Aurora and weather forecasts to help plan where to search.

2. Get away from any nearby light pollution. Tap into local knowledge from guides, staff or local people you meet to point you in the direction of great Aurora viewing spots.

3. Kit yourself out properly with well insulated and waterproof clothing. Aurora spotting is usually cold work and you don’t want to have to leave because you’re cold.

4. Accustom your eyes to the darkness. Use a red torch to find your way around as this will not affect your night vision.

5. Take a camera and take photos. A photo will confirm if there are the beginnings of an Aurora or not, however, don’t spend the whole time behind your camera as it’s just as important to step back and just enjoy them.

6. Be prepared. Have everything ready to go at a moment’s notice.

7. Persistence and vigilance is vital. Aurora can come and go very quickly so always keep your eyes open for activity.

8. Never give up. Snow can stop and clouds can clear for just long enough to get a glimpse of a stunning aurora even on a wintery night.

There are two ways to travel to see the Northern Lights – one using specialist travel experts such as Off the Map Travel to create a luxury Northern Lights experience for you, the other to research and develop your own independent Northern Lights itinerary through Book Lapland.